Baldelli to sign with Red Sox

Figures, we change our header and it hits the fan.

The Boston Red Sox were close to signing free-agent outfielder Rocco Baldelli on Wednesday night. It is expected to be announced at the Boston Baseball Writers Dinner, where Baldelli will be honored.

Baldelli, 27, has been limited to 155 games the last three years because of a mitochondrian disorder, a condition that leaves him feeling extremely fatigued after just a brief workout.

Baldelli recently underwent a series of tests as Massahusetts General Hospital and the results were positive. The Red Sox were struck by Baldelli's persona and are optimistic he can be a significant contributor in 2009.

(sighs)

There goes one man crush to the enemy. Hopefully the Red Sox never get Tim Lincecum. I don't think I could make it through that.

Update 11:00PM - According to MLBTR, John Smoltz is also leaning towards signing with the Red Sox. Here's to hoping he doesn't revert back to 2007 form anytime soon.